S- Matthew 5:27-43
O- Let my yes be yes and my no be no. Do not make promises, but be true to my word.
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. If someone wants you to go one mile with them, go two. Someone slaps one cheek, give him the other.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?
A - In other words, don't be so sensitive to my "boundaries", but be completely trusting in the Lord. Be extravagant in giving and go the extra mile. Greet all people as if it were a divine appointment... not just friends/family.
P - Lord, help me to be a giver to others. Help me to keep my word. Help me to be faithful to you. Amen
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
4/27
Scripture - Matthew 5:13-26
Observation - Let the light of Jesus shine within me. Place the lamp on a lampstand.
"Don't let Satan snuff it out."
Jesus was the fulfillment of the law of Moses.
Practice and teach the commands of Jesus. "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
5:27 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Application - Let the light of Jesus fill me. Don't let Satan quench it. "Do not put out the Spirit's fire."
Always listen to my conscience. Always reconcile with my brother even if it is him who holds something against me, try to make it right.
Prayer - Jesus - you are light. Shine in my soul. Every crack and corner, please permeate. Help me to keep my conscience clear, help me to keep short accounts with you and others. Help me, Lord, to practice what I preach to others so I may not be disqualified from the race. Help me to run with my eyes on you, God. Help me to be aware of the enemy that wants to quench your fire within me... to defeat me. I pray for protection against the enemy and a clear, sound mind. Give me grace, Lord, to do your will today. Give me strength to walk in your ways and to find my delight in you alone, Lord. You alone, are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship thee.
Observation - Let the light of Jesus shine within me. Place the lamp on a lampstand.
"Don't let Satan snuff it out."
Jesus was the fulfillment of the law of Moses.
Practice and teach the commands of Jesus. "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
5:27 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Application - Let the light of Jesus fill me. Don't let Satan quench it. "Do not put out the Spirit's fire."
Always listen to my conscience. Always reconcile with my brother even if it is him who holds something against me, try to make it right.
Prayer - Jesus - you are light. Shine in my soul. Every crack and corner, please permeate. Help me to keep my conscience clear, help me to keep short accounts with you and others. Help me, Lord, to practice what I preach to others so I may not be disqualified from the race. Help me to run with my eyes on you, God. Help me to be aware of the enemy that wants to quench your fire within me... to defeat me. I pray for protection against the enemy and a clear, sound mind. Give me grace, Lord, to do your will today. Give me strength to walk in your ways and to find my delight in you alone, Lord. You alone, are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship thee.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
4/25
Scripture: Matt. 5:1-10
Observation: Sermon on the Mount - focuses on conduct
Blessed are the poor in spirit / theirs is the kingdom of heaven - attribute of humility. As we humble ourselves, we surrender to the sovereignty of God.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted - attribute of sensitivity and empathy to the heart of others.
Blessed are the meek - an action of gentleness- learning to keep one's power under control.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. - an appetite for righteousness - a desire to make every truth of the Word of God a daily practice in my life; revering the thought patterns of my mind with the principles of God's word. not being a hypocrite.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.. Practical involvement - this inclues having a ready spirit to genuinely forgive others for wronging you.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. - purity in motive.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. - work hard to settle quarrells; peaceful in pursuits; desiring to make peace whenever possible.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Application: the ones that apply most to me right now are - to be meek, gentle, learning to keep my "power" or abilities God has given me under control, especially w/my kids. Also, to be poor in spirit and humble self under God's sovereign hand. Another that speaks clearly to me is purity in motive. Watch my thoughts and wash them with God's. Lastly, to be peaceful in all my pursuits. Not defensive. Not making others aware of my boundaries, but to be merciful and peaceful. Convicting.
Prayer: Help me God to conduct myself in the manner you would have me. Wash me with the water of your word and constantly be submitting my thoughts to you, as they are always needing check. I give you this day. I pray to be more faithful in reading your word daily.
Observation: Sermon on the Mount - focuses on conduct
Blessed are the poor in spirit / theirs is the kingdom of heaven - attribute of humility. As we humble ourselves, we surrender to the sovereignty of God.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted - attribute of sensitivity and empathy to the heart of others.
Blessed are the meek - an action of gentleness- learning to keep one's power under control.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. - an appetite for righteousness - a desire to make every truth of the Word of God a daily practice in my life; revering the thought patterns of my mind with the principles of God's word. not being a hypocrite.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.. Practical involvement - this inclues having a ready spirit to genuinely forgive others for wronging you.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. - purity in motive.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. - work hard to settle quarrells; peaceful in pursuits; desiring to make peace whenever possible.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Application: the ones that apply most to me right now are - to be meek, gentle, learning to keep my "power" or abilities God has given me under control, especially w/my kids. Also, to be poor in spirit and humble self under God's sovereign hand. Another that speaks clearly to me is purity in motive. Watch my thoughts and wash them with God's. Lastly, to be peaceful in all my pursuits. Not defensive. Not making others aware of my boundaries, but to be merciful and peaceful. Convicting.
Prayer: Help me God to conduct myself in the manner you would have me. Wash me with the water of your word and constantly be submitting my thoughts to you, as they are always needing check. I give you this day. I pray to be more faithful in reading your word daily.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
4/21 last 4 days
- Beth Moore's Get Out of that Pit
* His refusal to bend to our will may at first seem uncompassionate in light of all we've endured, but He's pushing for the best thing that will ever happen to us. God will never be condependent with you. He will never pat your broken back and say, "Who could blame you for all of this?" He wants you up on your feet, living abudantly, profoundly, effectively.
*Sometimes our tears flow from our desperation for God to change and our frustration that He won't. Nothing weeps more copiously than a chunk of ice. Sentimentality is no indication of a warm heart.
* Remember to get out of any pit, we must
Cry out, Confess, Consent...
*Consent to the process, wait upon God as he begins shifting, shoving, and rearranging things for your release.
*Use God's word as the Sword of the Spirit, to make the enemy flee.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
4/17 SOAP
Scripture - Matthew 4 (Satan tempts Jesus in the desert)
Observation - He was led BY THE SPIRIT TO BE TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. Interesting. It was like he had to be in a situation where he was severely tempted to strengthen his faith before his ministry. He had to face the devil in his weakest moments with no food for 40 days/nights and win. Jesus combatted every temptation with scripture. The devil also used scripture to try to confuse Jesus. Once the devil left him, angels came and attended him. (So much in the spiritual realm we don't see. It's such a battle for our souls, distracting us from our purposes here).
James, John (brothers), Peter & Andrew (brothers) were all fisherman and were the first 4 of the 12 disciples. They left their own agendas (nets) and followed Him immediately. These guys were from Galilee, Jesus' hometown.
The first place of Jesus' ministry where he healed the sick and preached was Galilee. "News about him spread all over Syria."
Application - Scripture is our sword to fight off the temptations of the devil. I need to know it to use it. Face the distractions of the devil and resist them with my full will.
Do I follow when Jesus calls me?
Prayer- God, help me to know the details of your word more. There is so much I don't know or pay attention to. Help me to discern when I am distracted, face the devil, and use scripture to turn my heart back to you. Help me lay aside my will for my life, and when you call, follow your leading.
Observation - He was led BY THE SPIRIT TO BE TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. Interesting. It was like he had to be in a situation where he was severely tempted to strengthen his faith before his ministry. He had to face the devil in his weakest moments with no food for 40 days/nights and win. Jesus combatted every temptation with scripture. The devil also used scripture to try to confuse Jesus. Once the devil left him, angels came and attended him. (So much in the spiritual realm we don't see. It's such a battle for our souls, distracting us from our purposes here).
James, John (brothers), Peter & Andrew (brothers) were all fisherman and were the first 4 of the 12 disciples. They left their own agendas (nets) and followed Him immediately. These guys were from Galilee, Jesus' hometown.
The first place of Jesus' ministry where he healed the sick and preached was Galilee. "News about him spread all over Syria."
Application - Scripture is our sword to fight off the temptations of the devil. I need to know it to use it. Face the distractions of the devil and resist them with my full will.
Do I follow when Jesus calls me?
Prayer- God, help me to know the details of your word more. There is so much I don't know or pay attention to. Help me to discern when I am distracted, face the devil, and use scripture to turn my heart back to you. Help me lay aside my will for my life, and when you call, follow your leading.
Friday, April 16, 2010
4/16 SOAP
Lord, speak to me today as I read your Word. Let your Holy Spirit open my eyes so I may see.
S - Matthew 3 "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Matt. 3:8
O -
*It is amazing how God fulfills prophecy directly from the Old Testament. It is so clear and unmistakable that He FULFILLS his promises and He CONTROLS time. John baptized with water for repentance. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. "His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matt. 3: 11-12 Wow!
*The Pharisees were only concerned with appearing to be good. But they were rebuked by John.
*When Jesus was baptized, heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and lighting on him. Wow! Amazing Scene! :17 "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'" That would have been an amazing sight to witness.
A -
*Jesus is God, and He will come back as the one who judges and sifts. This is a clear picture of who he is in the future. May I be a faithful servant.
*Don't desire appearances... to appear to be good. Make my aim to please God and to have FAITH in Him... to follow Him and not look around at others or be concerned with what others think of me.
*The baptism of Christ was obviously exceptional; however, he calls us to be baptized and follow Him. There must be a heavenly dynamic involved even in our baptisms.
P- God, thank you for your word. There is so much to devour. Forgive me for neglecting it. Thank you for this time with you. May I learn and grow and be a more devout follower of you. I don't want to be lukewarm, Lord, and have you spit me from your mouth. When you sift, I want to be your wheat and not chaff. Help my life count for you, Lord. Amen
S - Matthew 3 "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Matt. 3:8
O -
*It is amazing how God fulfills prophecy directly from the Old Testament. It is so clear and unmistakable that He FULFILLS his promises and He CONTROLS time. John baptized with water for repentance. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. "His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matt. 3: 11-12 Wow!
*The Pharisees were only concerned with appearing to be good. But they were rebuked by John.
*When Jesus was baptized, heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and lighting on him. Wow! Amazing Scene! :17 "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'" That would have been an amazing sight to witness.
A -
*Jesus is God, and He will come back as the one who judges and sifts. This is a clear picture of who he is in the future. May I be a faithful servant.
*Don't desire appearances... to appear to be good. Make my aim to please God and to have FAITH in Him... to follow Him and not look around at others or be concerned with what others think of me.
*The baptism of Christ was obviously exceptional; however, he calls us to be baptized and follow Him. There must be a heavenly dynamic involved even in our baptisms.
P- God, thank you for your word. There is so much to devour. Forgive me for neglecting it. Thank you for this time with you. May I learn and grow and be a more devout follower of you. I don't want to be lukewarm, Lord, and have you spit me from your mouth. When you sift, I want to be your wheat and not chaff. Help my life count for you, Lord. Amen
Thursday, April 15, 2010
4/15 SOAP
Scripture: Matthew Ch. 2 - Herod's tries to kill Jesus
Observation: God constantly intervened to make his will happen and not man's. No one can prevent God's plans from being carried out.
Application: Trust in the Lord. He is sovereign over details.
Prayer: Help me God to constantly trust in your hand upon my life. Nothing is out of your control.
Observation: God constantly intervened to make his will happen and not man's. No one can prevent God's plans from being carried out.
Application: Trust in the Lord. He is sovereign over details.
Prayer: Help me God to constantly trust in your hand upon my life. Nothing is out of your control.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
4/14 SOAP
Scripture -Matthew 1 - birth and preparation of Jesus
"When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." Matt. 1:24
Observation - We may make our plans, but God has the final say (Proverbs). Man may cast his lots, but his every decision is from the Lord (Psalms). I am sure Joseph and Mary had different plans for their lives, but God's decisions were sovereign, and they willingly and joyfully submitted once they heard God's voice.
Application - Thank you, God, that you know the plans you have for us. Every decision made by others is from you. I trust in your DIVINE PLAN.
Prayer -When I hear your voice, God, and see your decisions made through the vessels of others, I pray to willingly and joyfully submit to you, trusting you.
"When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." Matt. 1:24
Observation - We may make our plans, but God has the final say (Proverbs). Man may cast his lots, but his every decision is from the Lord (Psalms). I am sure Joseph and Mary had different plans for their lives, but God's decisions were sovereign, and they willingly and joyfully submitted once they heard God's voice.
Application - Thank you, God, that you know the plans you have for us. Every decision made by others is from you. I trust in your DIVINE PLAN.
Prayer -When I hear your voice, God, and see your decisions made through the vessels of others, I pray to willingly and joyfully submit to you, trusting you.
Why I am starting this blog
I am in need of some accountability for quiet times and a fresh new way to record what God is teaching me. This is my new outlet. It is definitely more for my own accountability purposes than for sharing my thoughts with others, but it also allows me a way to record my REFLECTIONS. I need to reflect more. I want to be in the moment more... with God, with my family, with my friends, in my ministry. Life soars by quickly. I want to live today for God and be more aware of Him in my life and of the blessings of His presence and be content in all He has given. I want to hear his voice and do as he asks. Sometimes now I am just too busy. I neither take time to listen nor to follow through on what he asks of me. If I am not aware of the moment, I rush too quickly into the future. I dedicate this to you, Lord. And I pray that you would speak to me in a fresh new way on our journey together.
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